How to Get an ADHD Assessment on the NHS
In an NHS assessment, medical professionals ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also inquire about your family history and general health.
You can also obtain an ADHD evaluation privately. Some private healthcare providers offer this service through the Right to Choose pathway.
Your GP
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ADHD, your first option is to speak to your GP. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and will ask you to describe your symptoms. They will then send you to an ADHD clinic for a diagnosis.
This clinic will evaluate and treat your symptoms, including therapy and medication if needed. During this process your psychiatrist will rule out other medical and psychological conditions that can cause similar symptoms. They will ask you for details and will also collect information from others, like your teachers, family members or even your friends. You will be required to fill out a range of questionnaires and forms. For instance the ASRS Version 1 from the World Health Organisation. It is best to prepare this form in advance. will help you remember to bring it with you to your appointment.
Your GP has a legal obligation to pay for an ADHD evaluation under Right To Choose, but they might not be knowledgeable about the process. If this is the case, we suggest that you print and give to your GP our support letter from ADHD UK. It is available here.
When you are scheduled for your assessment, you will be asked to provide an extensive description of your symptoms and what they are causing in different environments, such as school or work. You will also have to give examples of times when your symptoms caused problems and disruption in your life. This will include childhood incidents for adults.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, your psychiatrist may send paperwork to your GP for a shared-care agreement. Your doctor is the one who prescribes all medications, and may suggest CBT therapy in order to treat your symptoms.
You can make use of your diagnosis to apply for support services such as Disabled Student's Allowance or reasonable adjustments at the university. If you need to you may also apply to the DVLA to be exempt from restrictions on driving. Based on your requirements your psychiatrist may be able to refer you to a specialist psychologist who will advise you on additional support.
Right to Pick
If you're a British citizen you are able to choose your healthcare provider. This is called the "Right to Choose". The NHS offers a wide array of services that include ADHD assessment and treatment, and you are able to choose a healthcare provider that suits your preferences and needs. It's important to note that the quality and care provided by private healthcare providers can vary. This is why it's important to find and select health care providers with experience in offering effective ADHD assessment and treatment.
You can avoid lengthy waiting times by using your Right to choose when you will receive an ADHD assessment. Find out more about this right on the NHS website. You can also download and print a letter from ADHD UK to explain the Right to Choose to your GP. This will make it easier to get your GP to accept the referral to an in-person ADHD assessment.
Once you have selected a healthcare provider and have chosen a doctor, they will schedule an appointment with you. adhd online assessment uk will likely be in person, but could also be done via video conference depending on your circumstances. During the ADHD assessment your psychiatrist will ask you answer questions regarding your symptoms and history as well as conduct other tests as required. This may include a memory test, a symptom list, and questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect your daily life.
Your doctor will write a thorough report following your examination that will provide a detailed explanation of any diagnosis and suggest the next steps. If you are diagnosed with ADHD your psychiatrist will discuss medication when appropriate. They will also be able to talk to you about your responsibilities (such as keeping in contact with your GP) and other health issues you might have.
You can also self-refer without a referral from your GP to a private ADHD assessor. This can be an easier method of diagnosing ADHD in the event that you have the funds to cover an assessment from a professional. It is important to inquire with your insurance company prior to scheduling an appointment.
Private Healthcare
If you believe that your ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life and you don't want to delay getting your condition assessed by the NHS or other healthcare providers, you might want to contact private healthcare for an assessment. Under the "Right to choose" process in England you have the legal right to choose which provider to consult with your GP in the event that they satisfy NHS requirements and are not more expensive than the NHS.
A private healthcare professional will conduct a thorough medical interview to inquire about your medical history, family history and the severity of your symptoms. You will also be asked to complete self-reporting questionnaires that assess the extent to which ADHD affects your daily life and the relationships you have with. The results will be used to rule out other psychological or medical conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. If they determine that you suffer from ADHD, they will write an individual treatment plan specifically for you, which could include medication and psychotherapy.
When it comes to accessing medications through the NHS after receiving a private diagnosis, it is important to know that the majority of GPs will not sign a'shared care agreement' where they will manage your treatment from your private clinician (even for ADHD tablets). They do not believe they have the expertise or training in ADHD medication to make informed decisions.
It's important to keep in mind that private assessments and treatments can vary greatly across the UK. For instance, the East of England was found to be the most expensive place for both adult and child ADHD assessments, with follow-up consultations costing 20% more than the national average. You can get an idea of the expected costs for your specific region by using our ADHD cost calculator online here. If you decide that the cost of private healthcare isn't an option for you, there are alternatives to obtaining an assessment for adhd.
Alternative Routes
ADHD is a neuro-developmental condition and, in children, it is often manifested by exhibiting impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Adults are susceptible to anxiety and restlessness, especially when they are under pressure at work or home. This can result in an underlying issue being hidden by a psychiatrist over many years before finally being addressed.
It's recommended to see your GP in the event that you think you may have ADHD as an adult. Your GP will start by conducting an initial evaluation and gathering information about your symptoms as well as your medical background. They will then refer you to a specialist like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You will be asked to explain your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your life when you arrive for your appointment. You will be asked to describe any mental health issues you have had in the past, as well as your family history of mental illness. It is crucial to inform the person assessing your case about any comorbidities like anxiety or depression, as they can confuse the diagnosis of ADHD.
If your psychiatrist determines that you do have ADHD If they find that you do, they will suggest a treatment plan that will usually include medication. Stimulants like Venlafaxine are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. However they may also suggest non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine or bupropion. These medications are non-addictive and can aid in managing your ADHD symptoms.
The NHS offers a comprehensive path for adults looking to receive an ADHD diagnoses, but waiting times can be long. You can also select private healthcare providers that offer shorter waiting times. In fact, a lot of private healthcare providers are endorsed by the NHS as part of their Right to Choose initiative.
A diagnosis and assessment of ADHD as an adult can change your life. It can assist you in focusing on your work and relationships instead of worrying about uncontrolled ADHD symptoms. It can also provide clarity and access to other assistance that you didn't knew existed. Onebright will be there to guide you through the entire process if you are an adult who is considering an ADHD diagnosis.